Salt in your hair, vows in the breeze, and a skyline or sunset that makes your guests forget to blink. A yacht wedding delivers exactly that—and then some. But before you swipe that credit card and set sail, you need a plan that keeps the romance high and the chaos low.
Let’s walk through what actually matters so you can say “I do” without worrying about “uh-oh.”
First, Decide Your Vibe (And Guest Count)
You’ve got two big questions: intimate or blowout? Daytime or sunset? That vibe dictates everything from yacht size to menus.
- Guest count drives yacht size. Most yachts cap out between 30–150 people.
Smaller boats feel cozy; larger ones feel like a floating venue.
- Decide ceremony vs. reception onboard. You can do both, or just the party. If you do the ceremony onboard, plan a quieter time with minimal engine noise and perfect light.
- Pick your time of day strategically. Golden hour hits different on the water. Also, winds calm down near sunset, which your hair will thank you for.
Micro-Wedding vs.
Full Yacht Takeover
A 20–40 person micro-wedding gives you space to move and better photos (less crowding on deck). If you want a full dance floor, aim for a yacht with indoor lounge space plus an open deck, so you keep the views without battling the elements.
Legal Stuff You’ll Want Sorted (Not Sexy, But Crucial)
You can’t charm your way out of permits and paperwork. Sorry.
- Marriage license rules apply based on where you legally marry.
If your ceremony happens dockside or in local waters, you usually follow local county/state rules.
- Officiant requirements vary. Some regions require a registered officiant; others allow a friend to get ordained online. Ask your yacht coordinator what works in their jurisdiction.
- International waters ≠ avoid the rules. If you’re sailing beyond local waters, you may need to sign paperwork on land before or after for legality. Many couples handle the legal signing a day before and treat the yacht ceremony as the celebration.
Insurance & Liability
Confirm the yacht’s liability coverage and ask about event insurance. Get a certificate of insurance (COI) if your vendors need it.
FYI, event insurance costs way less than replacing a soaked DJ setup.
The Budget Reality Check
Let’s talk numbers, because yachts look fun until the invoice lands. Build a budget with line items, not vibes.
- Base charter fee: Typically 3–5 hours, fuel, crew, docking, and basic setup.
- Food & beverage: Per-person pricing ranges widely. Buffets on smaller yachts; plated on larger ones.
Open bar packages can crush your budget fast.
- Upgrades: Decor, florals, live music, AV, lighting, extra cruising time, special docking fees.
- Gratuities & taxes: Many charters add 15–20% service automatically. Confirm before you double-tip.
Pro tip: Ask for a sample invoice with every possible fee included. No one enjoys surprise “fuel surcharges” or “harbor security fees” on wedding week.
Choosing the Right Yacht (Form Meets Function)
Pretty boats don’t always make great venues.
Choose layout over looks, IMO.
- Multiple decks = better flow. Ceremony on top deck, cocktail hour mid-deck, dinner or dancing inside. That movement keeps guests engaged.
- Weather plan baked in. Make sure there’s an indoor space for Plan B that still feels romantic, not like a conference room with sea legs.
- Restroom count matters. For real. One tiny head for 80 guests?
Hard pass.
- Accessibility: Ask about ramps, stairs, and seating for anyone with mobility issues.
Audio, Lighting, and Power
Water eats sound. You need reliable AV.
- Check onboard sound systems. Can you plug in a DJ? Mic for officiant?
Backup power?
- Lighting: Soft uplighting works wonders at sunset. Avoid blinding overheads that kill the mood.
- Generator noise: Keep speakers and ceremony setup away from hum-heavy machinery.
Timeline That Actually Works On Water
Boats run on schedules. And tides.
And port rules. Build a timeline around that reality.
- Boarding window: 20–30 minutes for guests. Late arrivals can’t “just Uber to the venue.” The venue sails away.
Harsh but true.
- Cruise duration: 3–4 hours usually works: ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, dancing, sunset photos.
- Dock return time: Ports enforce curfews. Overtime fees add up quickly.
- Vendor load-in: Crew often needs 1–2 hours before guests arrive. Clear this with the yacht.
Photography & Wind Management
Photographers love yachts, but conditions shift fast.
- Schedule golden hour portraits when the boat passes the best skyline or coastline spots.
- Hair + wind strategy: Low, secure styles beat high, fussy ones.
Bring clips and matte powder.
- Shoe plan: Non-slip soles, especially for guests. Stilettos and slick decks do not get along.
Food, Drinks, and Seasickness (Yes, We’re Going There)
You can serve lobster rolls and champagne while the skyline glows—just plan smart.
- Menu for motion: Choose foods that hold up: sliders, skewers, mini crab cakes, plated proteins. Avoid ultra-saucy dishes that slosh.
- Bar strategy: Open bar is fun; seas + tequila shots sometimes aren’t.
Balance with a signature cocktail, beer, wine, and plenty of water.
- Seasickness prep: Offer ginger chews, seabands, and discreet meds. Sail calmer routes if you can. No one wants to see their canapés twice.
Cake & Dessert Logistics
Cakes sway.
Keep tiers low and stable, or go for mini desserts. If you want a big cake-cutting moment, do it docked or in calm water.
Style That Survives the Breeze
Fashion meets physics. Embrace it.
- Fabrics: Lightweight, structured, and wrinkle-resistant work best.
Long veils look dreamy but become kites. Consider a short veil or chic bow.
- Grooming: Matte makeup, setting spray, and water-resistant everything. Bring blotting papers.
- Dress code for guests: Tell them “nautical chic, non-slip shoes.” They’ll thank you.
Decor That Doesn’t Fly Away
Keep it simple and secure.
- Low arrangements that won’t topple in the breeze.
- Command hooks and weighted vases over open flames and teetering pillars.
- Let the view be the centerpiece. You already paid for it, might as well show it off.
Vendor Coordination: Your MVP Is the Yacht Coordinator
Not all wedding vendors understand boats.
Choose people who do—or educate them fast.
- Ask for the yacht’s preferred vendor list. They know load-in logistics, power specs, and what fits where.
- Hire a day-of coordinator. They wrangle timing, escort guests, and manage hiccups while you sip bubbly.
- DJ/band brief: Share power outlets, setup diagrams, and weather backup locations.
Safety Briefing Without Killing the Mood
A quick, upbeat safety note at boarding keeps everyone comfortable. Point out railings, restrooms, seasickness supplies, and where to stash heels during dancing. Keep it breezy, not “airline safety video circa 1999.”
FAQ
Will my marriage be legal if we marry in international waters?
Short answer: usually not by default.
Most couples get legally married on land (same day or earlier) and treat the yacht ceremony as the celebration. If you want the onboard ceremony to be the legal one, keep it within local jurisdiction and follow that region’s license and officiant rules.
What happens if the weather turns bad?
The right yacht has a solid indoor plan. You can still host a beautiful ceremony inside with panoramic windows.
Worst case, you stay docked and party safely. Build flexibility into your decor and timeline so a shift feels intentional, not last-minute chaos.
Do we need a rain plan for photos?
Yes. Work with your photographer on indoor portrait spots and covered deck angles.
Clear umbrellas look chic and keep hair intact. Also schedule a buffer window around golden hour in case clouds roll through.
How early should we book?
Peak season dates go fast—6–12 months ahead is smart, especially for weekends and sunset cruises. If you want a specific skyline route or holiday timing (hello, fireworks), book even earlier.
Can guests wear heels?
They can, but it’s risky.
Recommend block heels or wedges, or share that they’ll be walking on decks and stairs. Many yachts restrict stiletto tips to protect flooring and, you know, ankles.
Is seasickness guaranteed?
Not at all. Calm routes and larger vessels reduce motion.
Provide ginger, light snacks, and water. Ask the captain to avoid choppy areas during the ceremony. And maybe don’t schedule shots right before vows—FYI.
Conclusion
A yacht wedding gives you drama, romance, and that “wow” factor your guests will gush about for years.
Nail the logistics—legalities, timing, AV, and weather plans—and the rest becomes pure magic. Choose layout over looks, plan for wind, keep the bar smart, and lean on your crew. Do that, and you’ll board as two people in love and disembark married—with epic photos to prove it, IMO.